The Magpies are a club at war with owner Mike Ashley coming under fire from all sides.

Rafa Benitez and Ashley are embroiled in an ugly stand-off over the future direction of the club, with the sports retail magnate knocking back a list of demands from his popular manager.

Players are working to rule, refusing to carry out media duties over a bonus dispute.

Rival fans’ factions have formed the Magpies Group and are planning a mass demonstration outside the city centre branch of Ashley’s Sports Direct shop ahead of Saturday’s Premier League opener against Tottenham.

“Rafa Benitez did a magnificent job and most owners would have recognised the fact and backed him to the hilt during the summer.

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“But not Mike Ashley. He’s blown a big opportunity. Every other club, even the promoted ones, are spending big.

“I look at our squad and it doesn’t even look as strong as last season’s. Are there goals in that team? Hopefully, yes, but I have my doubts.”

Lee admits he’s surprised Benitez hasn’t walked out already.

“I thought he’d have gone by now,” he added. “Clearly he’s not a happy man but thankfully, he’s staying loyal to the fans.

“One day though he will have had enough and then we’ll be in big trouble.”

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Lee does not believe the players’ conflict with Ashley will affect their form on the pitch, however. Nor does he think supporters will turn their backs on the club.

“All this was simmering away last season and now it’s come to a head but believe me, when those lads run out on Saturday lunchtime, they’ll be 100 per cent committed and fans will back them to the hilt.

“Despite all this unrest, the Geordies will never turn on Rafa or the team. That’s why Ashley can’t win this one.

“Not that he seems to care. Being unpopular obviously doesn’t worry him.

“Sadly, he’ll just carry on running the club just the way he wants to.”